Grizzly euthanized after getting too close to people and damaging boats, officials say

Kaitlyn Alanis
·2 min read
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A grizzly bear that had “several conflicts with people” at a Montana park has been captured and euthanized, according to state wildlife officials.

Bear management specialists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said they received multiple reports about a bear getting to close too people along Hungry Horse Reservoir and damaging boats over the weekend near Murray Bay in Flathead National Forest, according to a July 19 news release.

“The boats were beached on shore and did not have food attractants onboard,” authorities said in the release. “Attempts by the public to use loud noises to move the bear away were unsuccessful.”

The subadult male grizzly bear was captured by staff July 17, according to the release.

“Based on reports and video footage, the bear was food conditioned and habituated to people,” authorities said.

Bears considered food conditioned and habituated seek unnatural foods, destroy property or display aggressive behavior toward people.

“Once a bear has become food-conditioned, hazing and aversive conditioning are unlikely to be successful in reversing this type of behavior,” authorities said. “Food-conditioned and habituated bears are not relocated due to human safety concerns.”

State officials, in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, decided to euthanize the bear.

Flathead National Forest is in Swan Lake, about 100 miles north of Missoula.

What to do if you see a bear

Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.

There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.

  • Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.

  • Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.

  • Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.

  • Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.

  • Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.

  • Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.

  • Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.

  • Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.

  • Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.

  • Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.

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